Summary
Mango TV is developing a microdrama workflow that creates an AIGC previsualization after the script is locked and before live-action shooting. A director works with an AIGC director and editor to build the previs; the crew then uses that version to narrow camera coverage, concentrate recording on actors’ performances, expressions and dialogue, and combine those performances with generated imagery. The approach was discussed at the 16th China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival, which added a microdrama award category for the first time. Speakers also described extending established television IP through spinoff microdramas that reuse sets, costumes, makeup, props and cast. One cited example, mystery series “狸猫书生,” reportedly cost under 2 million yuan and reached 360 million views after expanding material from an escape-room variety program.
Hana’s perspective
I find the most important change here is not synthetic imagery by itself but the decision to lock more visual choices before the live-action shoot. A generated previs can help a small team test coverage and reserve expensive set time for performance. It can also make a production brittle if the crew treats an imperfect AI pass as a fixed blueprint. The best version of this workflow keeps directors and actors free to improve a scene while using previs to remove waste. Reusing sets and cast across connected IP could further lower costs, but only strong side stories will turn that efficiency into durable franchises.
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